NRM Caucus To Draw National Budget
National Resistance Movement Members of Parliament currently on a party retreat in Kyankwanzi have backed the proposal to allow the party caucus’ participation in the budget making process.
According to a press briefing issued by the spokesperson of the party caucus, Anite Evelyne, the MPs also embraced the idea of increasing agricultural productivity with more emphasis on developing productive areas with improved seedlings.
While speaking at the retreat, President Museveni who is also the party chairman reiterated that there are no cracks between the executive and legislature.
Following the death of Butaleja woman Member of Parliament Cerinah Nebanda last month and the subsequent arrest of some lawmakers has created what appears like a rift between the executive and legislature with some MPs accusing the former of disregarding parliament’s integrity.
However, the president has dismissed these reports alleging division between the two arms of government.
Below is the spokesperson’s statement in full:
At the NRM retreat, NRM MPs have unanimously agreed to:
In Increasing production and productivity, to budget more carefully for planting materials especially seedlings like coffee in coffee growing areas like Masaka, tea for growing areas like Kyenjojo and Kanungu, and Mangoes and Oranges for growing areas like Soroti and Ngora, support the establishment of fish hatcheries and, breeding centre for improved milk and beef production.
The MPs also unanimously supported the idea to involve the NRM Parliamentary Caucus in the budgeting process, to ensure implementation of the NRM Manifesto. The Caucus also agreed to create and manage a budget process that is priority based. Addressing the Caucus, President Museveni cited the previously created Energy fund that has led to the establishment of electricity in areas like Moroto, Dokolo, Otuke, Moyo, Adjumani, all successfully built using money set aside from the Energy fund.
The Caucus also agreed to expeditiously revisit the operationalisation and working of the youth Venture fund.
While addressing the Caucus, H.E The President who is also the Chairman of the NRM encouraged the Caucus to support the idea to build fully serviced Industrial estates which will boost investor confidence. The President cited poor planning as a case for low investment, citing a scenario where an investor is “shown a swamp, he must drain, bring electricity, clear the road” in comparison to other countries that create inducive investment climates that enhance investment priorities.
The President reiterated that there is no rift between the Executive and the Parliament and called on the NRM MPs to implement the contract NRM had made with the People of Uganda, given to them at the last general elections.
In an earlier discussion under the theme “Appreciating the Budget Process”, the NRM MPs were in unison in supporting stiff penalties and strict enforcement of punitive measures for Institutions that do not adhere to the budget process, which in turn affects the objectives of the National Development Plan.
Key among other issues discussed were processes that would enhance the country growth rates, reduce current account deficits, support the strategic improvement of quality social services, strengthen the Public Sector Management and provide support to the critical productive sectors of the economy like agriculture and tourism and agro-processing, manufacturing that in turn generate employment and increase production.
The Retreat will continue with discussions on key critical sectors of Health, Water, Agriculture, Industry and Education.
Anite Evelyne
Spokesperson
NRM Parliamentary Caucus
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